One of the most beautiful structures in the city, the Church of Our Lady is famous internationally for its architecture, religious significance and artistic beauty. Whether you’re a history buff or just a casual observer, visiting this beauty is highly recommended if you stop by the city of Bruges. With its towering spire, ancient architecture, statues and sculptures, this church is a visual treat and combined with the tranquil atmosphere is provides, it makes for a lovely experience for all who visit.

The towering spire of the Church of Our Lady is the second tallest brickwork tower in the world and the tallest structure in Bruges. The pulpit is a Rococo extravaganza. Behind the altar lie the tombs of the last Valois Duke of Burgundy and his daughter. Their bronze likenesses stand at attention upon pedestals of black stone, crowned and in full armour. A windowpane located underneath these tombs gives a view of 13th and 14th century graves of priests!

The front entrance has 2 huge thick wooden doors with iron studs, within a frame of pointed arch doorways. Either side of the doors stands a stair tower, with its belly jutting out from the wall of the building onto the pavement. The church is not particularly big but a balance of aesthetics is maintained using very fine carved stone lace and large windows with stained glasswork. Hanging from one of the metal cross bars that prevent the walls from pushing in on themselves is a huge crucifix. The church is divided by the choir screen which separates the choir from the nave. Above the screen is one of the artistic treasures the church is famous for, the gorgeous marble sculpture ‘Madonna and Child’, created by Michelangelo.

It is one of the very few works by the great artist that can be seen out of Italy. The painting ‘The Crucifixion of Christ’ by Anthony Van Dyke is also on display within the church. Looking a bit further into the choir area are the pipes and housings of the organ. Entering through the rood screen (the screen that surrounds the choir) takes you past a row of beautifully carved choir stalls. On the High Altar hangs a triptych, in the middle is the crucifixion story which was painted by Bernard van Orley (Margaret of Austria’s court painter).

The church is currently undergoing major restoration and cleaning, because of which many of its exhibits are currently off limits and this may last for quite a while so it’s advisable to call in advance and see the whether the areas you wish to visit are open to the public. During this period, the ticket price will be at a reduced rate. (From 6 Euros to 2) Even with the restoration work going on, visiting the monument is a must and frankly, quite hard to miss since the spire soars over the city and is a permanent fixture in the skyline.

About Church Of Our Lady

The Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti. The sculpture is a captivating masterpiece and is one of the gems in Bruges crown.

Try wandering through the back gardens and making sure to cross that tiny bridge (and to look up at that tiny, tiny window).

It’s advisable to give the church a call before going for a visit.

Also known as Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk ring.

Restoration work in progress so many areas of the church is off limits.

* The facts given above are based on traveler data on TripHobo and might vary from the actual figures

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Church Of Our Lady Tour Reviews

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By Ade0410

A lovely serene church in the centre of Bruges. Beautiful and impressive architecture. There is a museum part which you need to pay to look at but we didn't have time. This is definitely worth a visit. Perhaps going at Christmas time made it even more special.

By Mitr Friend

The original structure of this church was built in 1225 CE. Bits and pieces of the original frescoes belonging to the original structure are in display within the chapels as well as below the nave (covered by glass). The best part - the ceiling detail of Madonna & Child of 1469 is still visible in one place, in an extremely deteriorated state.

By Brent Van Scoik

Historic place to visit. Take in the history and all the beauty of this church and grounds.

By Adrianka Taranov

Every church in Europe is lovely, but this one holds the distinction of being the only with a statue by Michelangelo. Well worth a visit.